Mack the dog – Hofstra Chronicle

Plans for Mack to come to campus have been in the works for about two years. The concept for Mack was modeled after similar pet-focused programs at Yale University, Princeton University and Salve Regina University that proved positive for community outreach. Extensive research was conducted into the impact a dog like Mack could have on the Hofstra community, which was then presented to Hofstra’s leadership team to make it a reality.

Mack has only been at Hofstra for a few months, but his impact has been astounding. He even has his own student ID! Mack recently attended Hofstra’s men’s basketball opener and cheered on our team.

For students facing multiple tests or papers and tight deadlines, Mack has been a way to relieve stress. His presence around campus allows students to stop thinking about their schoolwork for a moment, decompress and play. For students who come from abroad and sorely miss their pets back home, they have found comfort in being able to connect with Mack. Mack fills the void for students who have the urge to run home to reunite with their own loving pets by simply being there for students to pet and connect with.

You can tell how much the Hofstra community loves Mack since it takes him so long to get from one side of campus to the other. Mack can’t even get halfway from his on-campus “office” to the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center without being stopped 10 to 20 times by excited students.

Mack’s friendly personality is thanks to his mother, who works as a therapy dog, as well as a 12-week training where Mack was able to get used to the hustle and bustle of Hofstra’s campus and gain the ability to comfort and support busy students. As a young pup, Mack’s favorite activity is jogging and getting all his pent-up energy out, which is why you’ll see him on campus most of the time.

Students can request Mack to perform at their own events, whether it’s a student club, department event, or even a one-on-one meeting. All it takes is an email to Jovanni Ortiz, one of Public Safety’s assistant directors, and you’ll be seeing Mack in no time. His calendar has always been booked with inquiries from students, proving that he has become a very popular figure, but also showing the impact he has had in such a short time at Hofstra. Go ahead and check out Mack’s page on the Hofstra website to get in touch.

You can find Mack walking around campus on weekdays, in the Student Center Plaza East during regular hours on Mondays, and occasionally at Hofstra’s major sporting or community events. When you see the soft brown bundle of joy, be sure to stop and say hello!